As Christmas approaches (yes we know its only November but its coming round the corner!), Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester Metrolink have launched a new safety campaign urging people to stay safe around trams at what is a busier time of the year in the city centre.
The campaign urges passengers to take care when boarding or alighting from trams to keep themselves and others safe. People in groups, particularly families and those with young children, should also stay together while waiting to board or get off trams with higher passenger numbers meaning stops will be crowded. High frequency services also mean trams arrive and depart quickly.
The new Christmas themed campaign is to be reinforced by advertising across the public transport network alongside digital and social media.
It is also urging people to look both ways when crossing tram tracks and to use designated crossing points where possible as the nights continue to draw in.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, commented: “Passenger and staff safety, as well as the safety of pedestrians and cyclists travelling or moving around trams and stops on the network, is a priority for TfGM and the Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM). We want everyone to have fun and use Metrolink over the Christmas period, but I’d strongly urge everyone, and in particular those who might be enjoying a few festive drinks – to take extra care when around our trams at a time when services will be busier than usual.”
Damien Chabas, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Metrolink, added: “As the proud operator of Metrolink, we are continuously working on new ways to improve passenger and employee safety, and as such we have improved visible signage across the network. While customer support will be provided at key Metrolink locations to ensure passengers and community safety during the busy festive period, we urge everyone to be aware and stay alert around trams, support fellow passengers that may appear vulnerable and report to us any issue and threat identified. All together, we are stronger.”